ASU football sophomore running back Demario Richard is expected to play Saturday against No. 4 Utah, head coach Todd Graham announced Monday.
Richard, who left ASU's game Saturday against Colorado early and was on crutches postgame, is expected to practice this week and play against the Utes according to Graham.
"We've got a good prognosis and going through treatment and stuff like that," Graham said. "But I expect him to practice tomorrow."
Richard was one of two players banged up in the 48-23 win, as redshirt junior linebacker Laiu Moeakiola was held out of the game late in the second half. Graham said postgame Saturday that Moeakiola should be good to go.
Sophomore safety Armand Perry, who sustained an ankle injury against Cal Poly during Week 2 and was out of a walking boot for the first time this past week in practice, Graham said he is not expected to play.
Longing for Longino
ASU redshirt senior linebacker Antonio Longino had a career-best game against Colorado, picking up a team-high eight tackles and 2.5 sacks to go with 3.5 tackles for loss.
"I thought he had a pretty incredible game, probably the best game he's had since he's been here," Graham said Monday.
Graham said the key to Longino's performance out of the "Devilbacker" spot was keeping things simple.
"Man, he just, I mean, his effort was unbelievable," Graham said. "He ran some plays down from the back side. It really is probably more opportunity, but I think he really was just at a different level from where he had been. He played really good, and I thought he played great."
Sarkisian Update
Graham declined to comment on the status of now-former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian, who reportedly appeared to be drunk on the sidelines of the Trojans' 42-14 win over the Sun Devils on Sept. 26.
"Save that for the tabloids," he said.
Sarkisian, who was fired from his position Monday after being placed on a temporary leave of absence, reportedly showed up to practice Sunday under the influence.
Offensive line improving
ASU's offensive line has come a long way since giving up nine sacks in its season-opening 38-17 loss to Texas A&M, giving up just one sack two weeks ago against UCLA and keeping redshirt senior quarterback Mike Bercovici upright on Saturday against Colorado.
Bercovici said the unit's improved confidence in recent weeks has been reflected in its play.
"I think just the way they've been able to communicate these last couple of weeks and just their confidence going into the game, I mean, they're the heart and soul of our offensive unit," Bercovici said. "Just being able to communicate with them during games, before games."
Much of the success can be owed to the interior offensive line, which returned all three starters led by senior center Nick Kelly.
"I know that Nick is the leader of that offensive line group, and you don't have to worry about them right now being prepared," Bercovici said. "They're confident and they're just excited for whoever is against them."
Reach the reporter at fardaya@asu.edu or follow @fardaya15 on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
